Upcoming Tech Highlights: Apple WWDC 2024, Pika Labs, and More
Apple’s Highly Anticipated Developer Conference Kicks Off
Apple’s annual developer conference is set to start on Monday, featuring a keynote from CEO Tim Cook. Expectations are high that iOS 18 will showcase advancements in AI technology. Notably, Siri improvements are rumored to include integration with ChatGPT, promising a significant leap for Apple in the realm of conversational AI.
Pika Labs Raises $80M for Text-to-Video AI Tool
Pika Labs, founded by Demi Guo and Chenlin Meng, secured $80 million in funding for their text-to-video Generative AI tool. The company’s total funding now exceeds $130 million, with a valuation of $700 million. Key investors include Spark Capital, Greycroft, Lightspeed, and more.
Twelve Labs Secures $50M for AI Video Understanding
Twelve Labs announced a $50 million funding round for their AI model focused on video understanding. The investment was co-led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA) and NVIDIA’s NVentures, with existing backers also participating in the round.
Wevr Receives $3.5 Million Investment from HTC and Epic Games
Wevr, known for the VR classic “The Blu,” obtained a $3.5 million investment from HTC and Epic Games. Co-founders Neville Spiteri, Anthony Batt, and Marcel Samek lead the company, driving innovation in spatial computing and game production.
Browserbase Raises $6.5M for Headless Browser Development
Browserbase, a company specializing in headless browsers, secured $6.5 million in funding. This technology enables web applications to interact with websites solely through code, critical for AI-driven applications like Perplexity and ChatGPT.
Implications of Microsoft’s Mixed Reality Layoffs
Microsoft’s recent layoffs in the mixed reality division signal a shift in focus. Despite discontinuing Windows Mixed Reality, the company remains committed to supporting HoloLens 2 and the Department of Defense’s IVAS program.
Oculus Founder Palmer Luckey Teases New XR Headset
Oculus founder Palmer Luckey hinted at the development of a new XR headset, set to be revealed at the upcoming Augmented World Expo (AWE). His work continues to shape the future of virtual reality technology.
Sony Embraces AI for Film Production Efficiency
Sony Pictures Entertainment is doubling down on AI to streamline film production processes. While concerns exist about workforce implications, the industry is evolving to leverage technology for greater efficiency and quality in content creation.
Upcoming Events in XR Technology
Various events in the XR space, such as the Raindance Immersive festival and AWE conference, are set to showcase the latest advancements in augmented and virtual reality. Industry leaders and enthusiasts will converge to explore the intersection of AI, AR, and wearables.
Insightful Discussions on AI and Entertainment
The integration of AI in entertainment continues to spark debates and innovations. Platforms like Showrunner and creators like Doug Pledger are pushing the boundaries of AI-driven content creation, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in the industry.
Stay Updated with “This Week in XR” Podcast
For in-depth discussions on XR technology, tune in to the “This Week in XR” podcast hosted by industry experts like Charlie Fink and Rony Abovitz. Explore the latest trends and insights in the ever-evolving world of extended reality.